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BACnet Insight

BACnet & BACtwin: Sustainable Buildings

with High-Tech Information Hubs

BACnet & BACtwin: Monitoring für smarte,

effiziente und nachhaltige Gebäude

© all pictures: TÜV SÜD | © alle Bilder: TÜV SÜD a dashboard. TÜV SÜD also conducts regular monitoring

reports from which operators can obtain information
on the performance of their technical systems, with an
additional final report at the end of the monitoring period
that clarifies how efficiently the building automation
system functioned overall. This monitoring program is
even eligible for funding under BAFA (Federal Office for
Economic Affairs and Export Control).

BACtwin for efficient system integration

BACnet can also be integrated into a digital twin of
the building technology (BACtwin). Thanks to the
standardization provided by BACnet, operators can use
BACnet test laboratory of TÜV SÜD in Olching near Munich. this feature to optimize predictive maintenance. For
BACnet-Prüflabor von TÜV SÜD in Olching bei München. new facilities, TÜV SÜD recommends the application
of AMEV-Recommendation Nr. 174 “BACtwin in public
buildings” already at the planning stage. Operators can
Since the beginning of 2025, non-residential buildings must have a building automation system (BAS) if the rated request via a tender that only systems that fulfil these
output of the heating or combined heating and ventilation system exceeds 290 kW. However, there are currently no requirements be installed. This not only improves
specifications for monitoring the relevant system outputs. In order to provide reliable proof of functionality, operators immediate efficiency but makes it possible for operators
can have BACnet compatible technical monitoring carried out. TÜV SÜD explains how such monitoring works, which to easily adapt buildings to changing technological and
buildings are affected and how far the degree of automation goes. regulatory conditions. While implementing BACtwin may
Seit Anfang 2025 müssen Nicht-Wohngebäude über ein System der Gebäudeautomation (GA) verfügen, wenn die require initial adjustments to planning and construction
Nennleistung der Heizungs- oder kombinierten Heizungs- und Lüftungsanlage über 290 kW liegt. Vorgaben zur Über- practices, the long-term benefits – such as reduced
wachung der relevanten Systemleistungen fehlen indes bislang. Um die Funktionalität dennoch verlässlich nachzu- energy costs, greater user comfort and higher operational
weisen, können Betreiber ein Technisches Monitoring, das BACnet kompatibel ist, vornehmen lassen. Wie ein solches reliability – far outweigh these challenges.
Monitoring abläuft, welche Gebäude betroffen sind und wie weit der Automatisierungsgrad geht, erläutert TÜV SÜD.
Building smarter, greener systems
The aim of this legislation is to foster energy-efficient system because the data exchange format is not
operations for non-residential buildings and lower their universal. TÜV SÜD’s monitoring increases the energy efficiency
greenhouse gas emissions. BAS are required to meet of buildings. Precise observation and control of energy
at least “Automation Level B” in accordance with DIN BACnet: the backbone of smart buildings intensive systems help operators recognize patterns of
18599-11. The VDI 6041 standard (Facility Management consumption and introduce measures to reduce wasted
– Technical Monitoring of Buildings and Building Services) TÜV SÜD conducts building monitoring which documents energy. This not only fulfils legal parameters but also
and Recommendation 158 from AMEV (Working Group all relevant data over the course of a full heating and helps to achieve the sustainability targets increasingly
on Mechanical and Electrical Engineering of State and cooling period. The data is then sorted with a databox, demanded by investors and other stakeholders.
Municipal Administrations) offer a roadmap, but up which utilizes the BACnet data transmission protocol.
until now, precise regulations on exactly how operators BACnet standardizes data exchange between building Buildings account for a significant share of global energy
can ensure their building automation systems meet automation systems and devices from different use and carbon emissions. Sustainability in building
requirements are still lacking. manufacturers. This makes it possible to integrate management therefore goes not only beyond meeting
heating, cooling, lighting, and other systems into a unified regulatory mandates; it addresses the critical need to
Another problem is that building automation sometimes management platform, eliminating compatibility errors reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
involves varying devices and data formats. Because of and enabling seamless integration and interoperability. Incorporating advanced automation systems such as
this, there could be an instance where, for example, a An assessment of the recorded technical information from BACnet and BACtwin plays a crucial role in this transition.
BAS fails to recognize an error report within a heating the databox is available to operators at any time through 

22 BACnet Europe Journal 42 03/25